Sangh’s armed Ram Navmi rallies upset Bengal intellectuals

Kolkata, April 6 (IANS) A section of intellectuals on Thursday expressed “disgust” over children carrying swords and knives in Sangh Parivar-organised Ram Navami celebrations in West Bengal.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s niece-in-law Krishna Bose called the practice to place weapons in children’s hands as a “crime.”

An unprecedented 200-plus rallies were organised across West Bengal to mark Ram Navami celebrations by different affiliates of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Thousands of Hindu activists, who included school children, were seen marching on the roads brandishing sticks and sharp weapons.

“…it is easy to make an impression on them (children) at a young age. From their face, one can’t make out that they are indulging in such acts but they are doing it. So, if one starts training them at such a young age, then in the future the world will be unliveable,” she said.

Author Nabaneeta Dev Sen said the move was “shameful”, while Indologist Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri said those responsible for the incident, worship a distorted view of Hinduism.

“There is no connection of weapons in our religion (Hindusim). The incident that occurred on Ram Navami…those who perpetrated it, worship the distorted aspect of Hinduism. This stems from extreme envy and intolerance,” Bhaduri said.